Armenia v Republic of Ireland, Republican Stadium Yerevan, Tuesday, 5pm Irish time – Live on RTÉ Two
After an opening World Cup qualifier that saw the Republic of Ireland launch 47 crosses into the Hungarian box in Dublin, the direction Heimir Hallgrímsson will take his team now seems obvious.
Why would Ireland deny thier DNA? Why wait for Hungary, Portugal or even the lowly ranked Armenians to score the first goal before flooding the zone from all angles?
Hallgrímsson wants to turn Ireland into the most ferocious set-piece outfit in Europe.He has stocked the squad with aerial threats – chiefly Evan Ferguson, Nathan Collins and Adam Idah. The Ireland manager could possibly begin the remaining World cup qualifiers with an aggressive 4-2-4 formation. The up-and-at-them approach had Hungary manager Marco Rossi crying foul last Saturday night in Dublin.”He killed us in every contact,” moaned Rossi of german referee Harm Osmers. “He began to think it was a wrestling match, not a football match.”
ireland stretched and battled for those 47 crosses. Their persistence finally secured a 2-2 draw after goals by Ferguson and Idah retrieved the latest nightmarish start to a qualification campaign.
Heimir Hallgrímsson backs defensive selections amid Matt Doherty criticism
“If you tactically analyze the spaces Hungary closed,” Hallgrímsson explained, “they were really compact. And as the game progressed, they got more and more into protecting the front zone.
“So, the way into the box was outside and in. that was the best way. We tried to go inside, through the middle, but it was really compact. They secured that area.Evan Ferguson (second from left) will be looked upon to score for Ireland against Armenia. Photograph: ryan Byrne/Inpho
“We had first contact from 80 per cent of those crosses and should have dealt with it a little better. Did we create them problems? One hundred per cent. If we continue doing that, I think we will improve.
“I know 40-plus crosses is an unusually high number in a game but that is what we wanted to do,” he added. “We have physicality and strength in the air so it is indeed one of the weapons. If we have 40 or more crosses in a game
Ireland Aim for Positive Start Under Hallgrímsson in Armenia Euro Qualifier
Ireland begin their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign against Armenia in Yerevan, seeking a fresh start under new head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson. The match presents an possibility for a more attacking approach, with players like finn azaz and Chiedozie Ogbene expected to contribute offensively, supported by the defensive stability of Josh Cullen. https://www.irishtimes.com/football/2024/09/09/ireland-v-armenia-euro-2025-qualifier-preview-hallgrimsson-cullen-azerbaijan/
Around 400 Irish fans have travelled to Armenia for the match, while the Irish team benefitted from a direct, five-hour chartered flight. Though, the team will face challenging 30-degree Celsius conditions, bringing back memories of a 1-0 defeat to Armenia in the nations League in june 2022. https://www.irishtimes.com/football/2024/09/09/ireland-v-armenia-euro-2025-qualifier-preview-hallgrimsson-cullen-azerbaijan/
That previous defeat came courtesy of a goal from Eduard Spertsyan, who continues to be a key threat for Armenia. Ireland will also need to closely monitor Lucas Zelarayan, the Argentinian-born attacking midfielder.
Midfielder Josh Cullen acknowledged the previous loss but emphasized a shift in mindset within the squad. “It hurt at the time,” Cullen said, “but it is a new era now, we have a new mindset as a team.” He explained this new mindset stems from increased experiance within the group, stating, “We have a lot more caps. More experience of coming to places like this, knowing that we need to be as fully prepared as if we are playing one of the bigger nations. Obviously that is no disrespect to Armenia… we know what we need to do to get a result.” https://www.irishtimes.com/football/2024/09/09/ireland-v-armenia-euro-2025-qualifier-preview-hallgrimsson-cullen-azerbaijan/
Possible Ireland Starting Lineup:
Goalkeeper: Kelleher (brentford)
Defenders: O’Brien (Everton), O’Shea (Ipswich Town), Collins (brentford), Manning (Southampton)
Midfielders: Ogbene (Sheffield United), Cullen (Burnley), Lawal (Stoke City), Johnston (West Bromwich Albion)
Forwards: Idah (Swansea City), Ferguson (AS Roma) https://www.irishtimes.com/football/2024/09/09/ireland-v-armenia-euro-2025-qualifier-preview-hallgrimsson-cullen-azerbaijan/